ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Steel
Steps to facilitate the reduction of Steel imports
Government has taken following steps to facilitate the reduction of Steel imports,:-
 Steel Import Monitoring System  for advance registration of steel imports. The objective is to help the Government and industry to identify the exact steel grades being imported into the country in order to plan domestic manufacturing, besides advance information about any surge in imports.
 Issuance of Steel Quality Control Orders  to stop non-standardised steel import and manufacturing and to ensure availability of quality Steel in the ssssscountry.
 Draft Framework Policy to promote setting up of steel clusters with focus on manufacturing units for value added steel, ancillaries, capital goods etc.
The details of production and demand/consumption of total finished steel  in the country for the period from April–August, 2020  are as following:-
|
|
Item
|
|
Total Finished Steel|
|
Production
|
|
29.05
|
|
Consumption
|
|
26.41
The details of demand/domestic sale, production and export of steel by the two Public Sector Steel Undertakings i.e.Steel Authority of India Ltd.  and RashtriyaIspat Nigam Ltd.  for April- August, 2020 are as following:
|
|
Name of Steel PSU
|
|
Production 
|
|
Domestic Sales 
|
|
Export 
|
|
SAIL
|
|
4.835
|
|
4.26
|
|
1.044
|
|
RINL
|
|
1.153
|
|
0.862
|
|
0.542
This Information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Appointment of Insurance Agent in Postal Department
Kochi , December 27,2021
It has been decided to appoint unemployed and self-employed youth between the ages of 18 and 50 years as direct agents on commission basis for marketing of postal life insurance and rural postal insurance products at Aluva Postal Division. The applicants must be Class 10th pass. Preference will be given to former insurance agents, RD agents, people’s representatives and those with computer knowledge.
Copies of documents proving the age, qualifications and previous experience of the applicants along with mobile phone number and two copies of passport size photos should be sent to Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Aluva Postal Division, Aluva, 683101. Last date for submission of application is 04.01.2022 . A walk in interview will be conducted at the office of Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Aluva Division and the date of interview will be intimated directly to applicants.
Eligible candidates will have to pay a security deposit of Rs. 5000 / - as NSC / KVP. For more information Contact 9446420626 or 0484 2620570
(Visitor Counter : 10
Ministry of Defence
DAC simplifies procedure to develop defence equipment through Indian Industry; clears procurements of assault rifles and carbines worth Rs 3,547 crore
The Defence Acquisition Council , chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, met today and simplified ‘Make II’ procedure, which prescribes guidelines to be followed to develop and manufacture defence equipment through Indian Industry. The DAC also cleared procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines on fast track basis for Rs 3,547 crore to enable the Defence Forces to meet their immediate requirement for the troops deployed on the borders.
To encourage participation of private sector in defence design and production and to give a boost to ‘Make in India’ programme, the Council today introduced significant changes in the ‘Make II’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure. Considering that no government funding is involved in ‘Make II’ project, the DAC simplified the procedure to make it industry friendly, with minimal government control. The salient aspects of the revised procedure will now allow Ministry of Defence to accept suo-motu proposals from the industry and also allows start-ups to develop equipment for Indian Armed Forces. The minimum qualification criteria to participate in ‘Make II’ projects has also been relaxed by removing conditions related to credit rating and reducing financial net worth criteria.
As per the earlier ‘Make II’ procedure, only two vendors were shortlisted to develop prototype equipment. Now, all vendors meeting the relaxed eligibility criteria will be allowed to participate in the prototype development process. The vendor will not be required to submit Detailed Project Report. After accord of approval of the ‘Make II’ project by the council, all clearances will be accorded at Service HQ  level.
To hand-hold industry and start-ups, SHQs will now setup project facilitation teams to act as the primary interface between the SHQ and the industry during the design and development stage. These teams would provide technical inputs, trial infrastructure and other facilities as required by the vendor. Even if a single individual or firm offers innovative solutions, the SHQ will now have the option to accept and process the vendor’s development initiative. SHQs will be allowed to hire domain experts/consultants from private sector to increase outreach and enhance awareness among the industry.
Most importantly, there will be no foreclosure of project after the project is sanctioned, except on default by the vendor, to ensure that the successful vendor has assured orders.
NAo/Nampi/DK
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Programme on Seagrasses
Seagrasses are flowering plants which are found in our sea beds and ocean floors. The major seagrass beds exist along our coastline of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions on the east coast, Gulf of Kachchh region on the west coast, the lagoons of islands in Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Seagrass ecosystems are recognized globally for their ability to sequester carbon, nurture fish communities and support marine mammals such as sea cows or dugongs.
Seagrasses have been studied for over two decades with the financial support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the State/UT Governments. Academic and research institutions have been actively involved in seagrass research pertaining to seagrass mapping, species diversity and its transplantation.
Based on field surveys and satellite data, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management has estimated the total extent of seagrass ecosystem in India to be 516.59 km2. The CO2sequestration rate of seagrass ecosystem is estimated to be up to 434.9 tonnes/km2/year with an annual net CO2 sink of 0.75 million tonnes for an area of 517 km2.
Further, the Government has also initiated a project across the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha on enhancing climate resilience of India’s coastal communities at a total cost of US $130.269 million which includes a grant of US$ 43.419 million by Global Climate Fund  covering 24 ecosystems in these selected States which aims to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal communities by protecting and restoring India’s natural ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Narayan Rane calls for concerted efforts to enhance growth of MSME sector
NVCFL secures regulatory approvals and signs the Contribution Agreement
Union Minister for MSMEs Shri Narayan Rane has exhorted the officers of MSME Ministry to brace up for enhancing the output of MSME sector. The Minister categorically said that he would like to see a quantum jump in the performance of this sector, for which all segments of the Ministry will have to work in tandem. He called for increased spending by the Ministry for the betterment of the society at large. Shri Rane pointed towards the possibility of quantum jump in India’s exports through MSME sector, which can lead to achieving higher GDP.
The Minister was speaking at the signing of the Contribution Agreement by the officials of the NSIC, NVCFL and SVL in New Delhi today. He was accompanied by MoS MSME Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Secretary, Ministry of MSME Shri B.B. Swain, CMD, NSIC & Chairperson NVCFL Ms. Alka Arora and MD & CEO, SVL Shri K. Suresh.
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Finance Minister had announced creation of a Fund of Funds for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package to address severe shortage being faced by MSMEs in securing growth capital. Consequently, NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited , a 100% subsidiary of National Small Industries Corporation Limited - NSIC, a Mini-Ratna Corporation of Government of India under Ministry of MSMEs was incorporated. Self-Reliant India Fund  was anchored by NVCFL with the target corpus of Rs 10,006 crore and object of supporting Daughter Funds for onward provision to MSMEs as growth capital, through equity, quasi-equity and debt, as permitted under the AIF Regulations. The Fund would, inter alia, be invested into by the Ministry of MSME as the Anchor Investor and NSIC as the Sponsor.
SBICAP Ventures Limited  has been appointed as the Investment Manager and Khaitan & Company has been appointed as the Legal Advisor to NVCFL. The Private Placement Memorandum filed by NVCFL with the Securities and Exchange Board of India to register SRI Fund as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund was registered by SEBI on the 1st September 2021.
SRI Fund shall address the equity funding challenges of the MSME sector and give them a thrust to break their barriers, encourage corporatisation and allow them to grow to their full inherent potential to become global champions. With Government intervention, the Fund would be able to channelize diverse variety of funds into underserved MSMEs and address the growth needs of viable and high growth MSMEs.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Aiming to enhance MSME contribution to GDP from about 30 % to 50%; and in exports from 49% to 60% : Shri Gadkari
Targeting creation of 5 crore additional jobs in MSME sector in 5 years
ANIC - ARISE Challenges  launched
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME has said that he aims to enhance MSME contribution to GDP from about 30% to 50%; and in exports from 49% to 60%. Speaking at a virtual meet organised to launch Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE Atal New India Challenges by NiTI Ayog today Shri Gadkari said that his Government is aiming to create 5 crore additional jobs in the MSME sector which presently employs about 11 crore people.
Shri Gadkari applauded the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE Atal New India Challenge initiative of Niti Ayog and called for working in encouraging use new technology in finding solutions to the problems being faced in different areas ensuring value addition. He cited the issue of excess rice which can be utilised for producing ethanol there by addressing the problem of storage on the one hand and providing green fuel to the country as import replacement on the other. Delving further on the issue he said risk taking ability in innovations/finding new solutions need to be promoted and those making bonafide mistakes in the process need to be protected.
The Minister stressed that country's growth will be further accelerated when the backward and tribal areas including the 115 aspirational districts are brought on growth trajectory. He pointed out that the Prime Minister has emphasised on the development and growth of these areas which are socially and economically lagging behind. Shri Gadkari also said we need to work according to spirit of the Prime Minister's vision that science should work in solving problems of common people including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The Minister further advocated broadbasing support for innovations and entrepreneurship so that bonafide new talent also get chance to grow. This helps in lowering costs as well. He also felt that performance audit of Schemes for agriculture and ST/SCs will help in better targeting the schemes.
The objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE Atal New India Challenges program is to proactively collaborate with Ministries and the associated industries to catalyse research, innovation and facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur visits SAI NCOE Bhopal, interacts with athletes at MP Hall
Madhya Pradesh is slowly becoming a hub of sports in India : Shri Anurag Singh Thakur
Key Highlights:
· The SAI NCOE Bhopal covers the following sports disciplines: Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Judo, Wushu and Kayaking & Canoeing
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur paid a visit to the Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal on Monday and interacted with athletes as well as took a tour of the various facilities in the centre. The visit took place ahead of the launch of the logo of Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Thakur visited the MP Hall at the SAI centre which features the Sports Science departments as well as the Judo, Wushu, Boxing and the Hockey Field of Plays . The SAI NCOE Bhopal covers the following sports disciplines: Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Judo, Wushu and Kayaking & Canoeing.
"What the Sports Authority of India is doing to maintain close to 100 acres big centres and campuses is also noteworthy. I congratulate the authorities who do so many programs as well for athletes, coaches, support staff and so on", Shri Thakur mentioned.
Earlier in the day Union Minister visited the para canoeing facility in the state and was accompanied by Smt Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, MP, as well as other officials from the Madhya Pradesh government. They interacted with a few athletes, including para-Canoeist Prachi Yadav, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal  at the Paracanoe World Cup in Poland earlier this year.
Commenting on the sports infrastructure available across the State, the Union Minister added, "Bhopal has one of the best shooting and equestrian ranges. It is close to world class. The State of MP is also prepared very much for the Khelo India Youth Games.”
“MP is slowly becoming a hub of sports in India . I wish if all other States and UTs follow the example , India will become a sporting superpower soon", he added.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Prime Minister of Mauritius
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today met the Prime Minister of Mauritius H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. Mr Jugnauth is in India to attend G20 Summit.
The Prime Minister posted on X
"PM @KumarJugnauth and I had a very good meeting. This is a special year for India-Mauritius relations as we mark 75 years of diplomatic ties between our nations. We discussed cooperation in sectors like infrastructure, FinTech, culture and more. Also reiterated India's commitment to furthering the voice of the Global South."
PMO also posted on X
"PM @narendramodi met PM @KumarJugnauth of Mauritius, a key partner integral to India’s vision SAGAR. Both leaders enthusiastically acknowledged the significant enhancement of the India-Mauritius bilateral relationship, commemorating its remarkable 75th anniversary this year."
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Rao Inderjit Singh takes charge as the Union Minister of State  for Statistics & Programme Implementation
Says Implementation of pro poor and pro people policies of Government are our priorities
Effective use of data for reaching out to the beneficiaries is the need of hour
 for Statistics and Programme Implementationheretoday. He said that Implementation of pro poor and pro people policies of Government are our priorities. The Union Minister added that effective use of data for reaching out to the beneficiaries is the need of hour.
He also held a brief meeting with senior officials of the Ministry to review the progress of work done.
Brief Profile of Minister
Shri Rao Inderjit Singh was born on February 11, 1950 in Rewari, Haryana. He represents Gurugram Constituency of Haryana in 17th Lok Sabha 2019. He did LLB from Law Faculty, Delhi University and Bachelor of Arts  from Hindu College, Delhi University.
He has served as MoS  Planning, MoS Urban Development, MoS Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation from 5 July 2016 – 3Sep 2017. He was MoS  Planning, MoS Defence from 9 Nov 2014-5 July 2016. He has also worked in the capacity of MoS  Planning; Statistics and Programme Implementation and MoS Defence from 27 May 2014- 9 Nov 2014.
This is his Fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. Earlier he has represented Gurugram Lok Sabha Constituency in 16th Lok Sabha in 2014, 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 and Mohindergarh Constituency Lok Sabha Constituency in 14th Lok Sabha in 2004 and 12th Lok Sabha in 1998. He was also elected as MLA 4 times from JatusanaVidhan Sabha, Haryana from 1977-1982, 1982-1987, 1991-1996, and 2000-2004. He was Cabinet Minister in Govt of Haryana from 1991-1996 and looked after the portfolios of Environment & Forests and Medical & Technical Education. He has also served as MoS  Food and Civil Supplies, Haryana from 1986-1987.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary
PM pays tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Shri Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary.
“Remembering Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary. His service to India and struggles for the rights of the marginalised always inspire.”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Defence
ASEAN INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE 
INDIAN NAVY SHIPS ARRIVE AT SINGAPORE
Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Delhi with RAdm Gurcharan Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet embarked onboard arrived at Singapore on 01 May 2023 to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise  scheduled from 02 to 08 May 2023.
The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from 02 to 04 May 2023 and the Sea Phase will be conducted from 07 to 08 May 2023 in the South China Sea. AIME 2023 will provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work together closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain.
INS Delhi, India's first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and function under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. These ships are fitted with state-of-the art weapons and sensors. The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in International Maritime Defence Exhibition  and International Maritime Security Conference  being hosted by Singapore.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives due to fire at a hospital in Jabalpur, MP
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The Prime Minister's Office tweeted;
"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all assistance to those affected: PM"
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on being elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Comrade Prachanda on being elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Warmest congratulations Comrade Prachanda on being elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The unique relationship between India & Nepal is based on deep cultural connect & warm people-to-people ties. I look forward to working together with you to further strengthen this friendship.”
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to host “New Frontiers” program on Renewable Energy as part of "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav"
Power and MNRE Minister to interact with students and thinktank
Industry leaders who have submitted their Energy Compacts to be felicitated
Ministry to organize webinars, discussions, and contemplation meetings on various aspects of Renewable Energy
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is conducting a program on Renewable Energy namely “New Frontiers” as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The program will be held from 16th February to 18th February 2022.
As part of the program, the Ministry will conduct a physical event on the topic titled, “India’s Leadership in Energy Transition” at Vigyan Bhawan on 16th February 2022. Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh and Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagwant Khuba will give special address. A video on “Citizen-Centric Energy Transition – The India Story”, including the highlights of Energy Compacts will be played. A conversation with the Union Minister for Power and MNRE Shri R.K Singh will be held thereafter along with a Q&A session with students and think tanks. Industry Leaders who have submitted their Energy Compacts  will be felicitated by the Minister & Minister of State. The launch of the Energy Compacts  booklet is also part of the felicitation program.
The Ministry will organize three webinars on 17th February 2022, namely, “Women in RE- Call for Action”, “Role of ISA in Energy Transition”, and “Role of clean-tech start-ups and climate entrepreneur in providing clean and affordable energy”.
On 18th February 2022, the final day of the program, a brainstorming meeting on “Roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070” will be organized on a virtual platform. The program will begin with a Welcome address and setting the context by Director General of FICCI, followed by a Keynote Address by Hon’ble Minister of Power and NRE. A brainstorming session will be conducted involving the MNRE, MOP, MOEFCC, Indian Railways, Principal Secretaries from leading renewable energy States, Public Sector Enterprises , Industry and other stakeholders  to understand key issues in respect of achieving the net zero goal and pathways for energy transition.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness as India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement  comes into force
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness as India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement  comes into force today. Shri Modi said that it is a watershed moment for our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In response to a tweet by Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, PM Modi tweeted;
"Glad that IndAus ECTA is entering into force today. It is a watershed moment for our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It will unlock the enormous potential of our trade and economic ties and boost businesses on both sides. Look forward to welcoming you in India soon. @AlboMP"